LETTER:Turning up the gas

From Mr Peter Calvocoressi

Sir: I can cap Bamber Gascoigne's gaseous experience (letter, 9 June). I pay for my gas by direct monthly debit. I received an account which showed that my payments had exactly covered my year's charges - together with notification of a 20 per cent rise in my monthly debit. I objected that, unless the price of gas was set to rise by 20 per cent, my payments should remain the same. No reply.

When I telephoned the gas board, I was asked what I wanted. I explained all over again that I thought my payments should not be altered. A cheery girl agreed instantly. In other words, it was a try-on - an old way of doing business but not a respectable one.

Yours faithfully,

PETER CALVOCORESSI

Bath